10 of the top spas in Ireland

It’s St Patrick’s Day, which means we are in the mood for celebrating the hospitality, the beauty and all the wonderful things about Ireland. When it comes to spas, this is definitely a part of the world where they know what they’re doing.  Here 10 of our top spas in Ireland this year…

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle

With a compassionate and intuitive healing approach, it is no wonder that the spa at Slieve Donard is one of the top spas in Ireland, with a reputation for excellence. ExquisItely stylish and with state-of-the-art healing heat experiences, the journey even before your treatment begins is special, not least because the incredible views of the mountains and sand dunes are so beguiling. Cocooned inside your treatment room, you’ll feel a deep sense of relaxation as your therapist works wonders delivering a selection of beautiful and deeply nourishing therapies.

Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort, County Antrim

A truly unique setting, this world-renowned spa is not only a holistic healing for body, mind and soul, it’s a memory for life. Not just one of the top spas in Ireland, but in Europe. Expansive facilities and decadent treatments are delivered with excellence, however such is the beauty of its surroundings, just being in the thermal village is an experience in itself. Treatments are an impressive mix of wellbeing and indulgence and the signature “Beltane Experience’ set around a sunken fire is a treat not be to missed.

Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast

Tranquil and opulent, there’s a real feeling of grandeur at this Belfast hotel, which gives you a real sense of escapism as you enter its doors. Tucked inside, the Health Club and Spa at Culloden is a sanctuary for body and mind, starting with a well-equipped gym and a timetable of fitness classes for working up a sweat. The pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna are all ideal accompaniments to the main event - the spa treatments - which include lovely ESPA facials, massages and finishing touches.

Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, County Meath

A hotel that is all about elegant luxury and modern sophistication, you and your loved ones will enjoy all the benefits of a retreat featuring a golf course, health club and spa during your visit here. You can work out in the gym or pool if you’re feeling energetic, but the River Spa is where the real relaxation happens. Here you’ll be spoilt for choice with a selection of decadent treatments including their signature treatment, tranquillity pro-sleep massage - guaranteed to give you an idyllic night’s sleep.

Lough Rea Hotel, County Galway

A very special sanctuary, the Shore Island Spa at Lough Rea Hotel manages to take you away from the everyday of life and make you feel wrapped up in warmth and luxury. How? With intimate lighting, rich textures and sumptuous fittings and of course, a decadent menu of treatments which restore body, mind and spirit. Ideal for couples, this romantic setting includes a thermal suite experience, which means you can enjoy a steam room, Jacuzzi and experience showers as well as a mud Rasul therapy.

Shandon Hotel and Spa, County Donegal

Whether you are in the hotel lobby, the bar, the swimming pool or the outdoor Canadian hot tub at this Wild Atlantic Way hotel, you’ll be able to breathe in views of the beautiful bay, hills and countryside. As such, relaxation comes easily, especially in the spa with its full-height picture windows. A luxurious range of thermal experiences will cleanse and relax the body and mind including a vitality pool, sauna and salt grotto. Indulge yourself with a divine body or facial therapy, using products made from natural sea salt.

The Maryborough Hotel and Spa, Cork

A haven of calm and tranquillity, the spa at The Maryborough Hotel invites you to reconnect with your senses, through the sounds of flowing water, the fragrance of scented candles and the contemplative views of the reflective pool. Central to that, is also the touch of the holistic therapies delivered by expert therapists who will ensure you have a restorative experience that leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Facilities include heated loungers, vitality pools and lifestyle showers as well as a swimming pool and hot tub.

Aghadoe Heights, County Kerry

Aghadoe Heights is a contemporary spa hotel that’s been attracting guests back time and again since it opened. As with so many places, pictures don’t do it justice because so much of its magic is in the attention to detail - the little things that the team do in order to make guests feel special and appreciated. It has won multiple awards, it’s peaceful and the spa is inspired by the spectacular natural world around it. There’s water flowing through the centre of the spa and lots of wood throughout to tie the outside in with the environment outside - the oldest woods in Ireland, lots of slate which comes from the mountains, the water feature to represent the lakes. 

Kilronan Castle, Ballyfarnon

Luxury is the buzzword on Kilronan Castle’s lips and is reflected in its spa and leisure facilities. Lovingly restored and refurbished, Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa's history harks back to Colonel King Tenison. Add to that the setting on the shores of Lough Meelagh in Roscommon, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you are re-enacting a period drama.

No.1 Pery Square, County Limerick

At the opposite end of the spectrum, No.1 Pery Square is a city spa in central Limerick. On the banks of the Shannon Estuary, the hotel takes in views of the surrounding Mountains of Clare, from its position in an 1860 Georgian terrace. A refined boutique hotel, everything is done with precision - the spa uses Ireland’s famed VOYA products, and the restaurant is an Irish brasserie with strong French influences that’s been highly acclaimed for its services.